Interview by: Stephen Briggs

Reprinted with permission from the Galactic Press - copyright The Galaxy Express

I am honored to talk with Commander Dargin and get a first hand account of his take on the Knights Templar down through the ages and throughout history. His views and observations are fascinating and enlightening. 

Q: Exactly what is the Knights Templar?

A: Templar originally was a monk that was ordained and authorized by the church to go to war. The Order was originally founded in the late 900¹s somewhere around 993 by nine French Knights who decided to go to Jerusalem. Since they were not the first born of their families, by law, they could not inherit the property of their fathers. This went to the first born after many years of living and working in Jerusalem. They were able to appeal to one of the leading theologians of their time, Bernard of Clairvaux. He in turn wrote to the Pope and published their cause. Shortly afterwards the Pope took up their cause and issued a charter for them to become part of the Catholic Church

Q: What is required of a member and who can join?

A: A core rule is that a member must participate, and that can take on many different forms. There is usually a tithe for joining. Sharing an interest with a Templar, and expressing a desire is usually a good place to start. They have very broad guidelines about one’s faith.

Q: Tell us how you became involved and how long you have been a member.

A:  I came to the Templars in a very strange way. In the past, I took a sabbatical and raised a million dollars. It was for four different charities. I also skied with the National Ski Patrol for almost seven years and did a lot of pro bono work. One of my good friend’s husbands was a national officer in the Templars. We became friends and over the course of about six months, I decided I would like be part of this organization. I was offered a commission of sorts, in the First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. The Church was done in Egyptian Revival. I was Knighted. Four years later, I was elevated to Knight Commander. It has been about seven and half years that I have been with them. The last two years I have been inactive, as my schedule has not allowed me to attend the functions.

Q: How long has the Knights Templar been in existence and why and how was it founded?

A: It was founded around 993 and was finally recognized by the Church around 1050. The order rose to become one the world’s most dominant forces of its time until its demise in 1303. The original orders of sorts were to protect pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem. In that process, they became a powerful political and cultural force in the region. Later on, with respect of the Templars, ­many of the leaders in that part of the world actually had diplomatic relations with the Templars. It is said that much of the Eastern philosophy, mathematics, science, astronomy and culture (not to mention chess) came to Europe by way of the Templars.

Q: What does Friday the 13th mean to the Templars?

A: It was the day, by way of the Vatican, that the Templars ceased to exist as the order was founded. Although many knights were seized, many were quietly let go. Many escaped and just melted into other Christian Orders of the time. The reason the Templars were treated this way is because Phillip the Fair (French King of the time) was very indebted to the Templars. He devised a plan to seize all their wealth and cancel his debts.

He manipulated the process for the selection of the pope. The current pope, however, refused to order the destruction of the Templars. The pope then died under mysterious circumstances. Once the King had his puppet on the throne of Saint Peter... the process was begun. Ultimately, the action failed. No monies or treasure were ever seized. It was said that on the night of April 12th, the templar fleet was docked in southern France. The next morning every ship was gone

To this day, Friday the 13th is considered unlucky, and for good reason.

Q: Why did they take a vow of poverty?

A: Well, in the beginning I guess this was pretty easy when you don’t have any money. What is the difference? All monks took very similar vows at that time. Later, although they didn¹t “have” any money, they wheeled such power and influence that they really didn¹t need money

Q: Did the Knight Templar believe Jesus had descendants?

A: Mmmmm, this is a loaded question. As an Order of the Templars, we have no official stance as to the descendants of Christ. Although, many within the order have their own ideas. It is not doctrine, and that is a very important distinction. There are scads of DVD’s out there with every slant, yet in the end, they have no proof. Heck, who needs that these days? You get a good spin-doctor and you are in business.

Q: Describe the Seal of the Knights Templar.

A: Which one? Over the past one thousand years there has been four or five. The most common one is the version most people see today of the two knights riding a pie-bald horse. This is called a paint today.  Back then, they were considered very poor horses, basically your view of the horse world.

Q: How did the Knights Templar manage to amass a financial empire and how did they become Europe's main religious order?

A: Mmmm, on this question you have a couple of inferences already in play. First question basically is that in their battles around the Middle East they amassed quite a war chest. Because they became so popular, everyone wanted to be part of them. So they handed over their Estates even back in Europe! Now this was a two-edge sword that meant they didn’t have to pay taxes on any of the property they turned over to the Templars. In effect, it became property of the church and the Templars paid a tithe to Rome. It kept everyone happy - call it the first IRS deduction!

Q: How did they get into banking, and why did they get so involved in banking?

A: They really didn’t start in banking. They were more into the traveler’s checks of the day. They would give the traveler an encoded document and wherever the traveler went he could present that document to the Templars and they would pay on the document. This was safest way to travel, even back then. Once that hit its zenith, imagine what they were going to do with all this money? That’s when they got into the loaning of money banking. It is said that the Templars held “notes” on every King or Queen in Europe!

Q: Is it a fact that the Pope in the 1300's disbanded the organization? Tell us about this.

A: Disbanded is not really the right word. They had them arrested for blasphemy and many of them were tortured mercilessly by the inquisition.

Funny, the law was that the torturers couldn’t draw blood with a cut, or stab, yet they would burn them, rack them, and hang them until they dislocated their shoulders. I imagine if I were there, I would have said anything they wanted to hear. And you can imagine what information they would get i.e. tell me what you want me to say.

I mentioned the specifics of the day. Yet here is a neat little story. The Grand Master (Read General) of the Templars at that time was Jacques DeMolay, an older man, not in the best of health. He was arrested and threatened with everything they were doing to his other knights. He caved in and said he would confess. So the King of France and the Pope had him dragged to Notre Dame in Paris and in front of the whole of Paris he was to confess.

When they dragged him in front of everyone in Paris, he actually recanted his story, and stated that they and the order were innocent of all the charges. That so incensed the King and Pope that he was taken back to Notre Dame and with four other knights burned at the stake. During this event, Jacques DeMolay cried out that both the King and Pope would stand with him before God to settle the account of their treachery. Within a year, the Pope died and the King was killed in a hunting accident.

Before I begin, I want to share some information that will help you understand the history and the savagery of the times...

First, there has NEVER publicly been a historical document presented from the time of the Templars. Nothing, nada, so everything I will tell you comes at least second hand if not third hand. The Catholic Church colored much of what you will read in many ways. Sadly as an institution that rises...

Many things that are not for the highest and best good take place... In the case of the Vatican... I would direct you to some reading... The Reign of the Ten Popes... There is nothing that has happened on the streets which hasn't happened inside the Vatican, (including but not limited to Popes being assassinated.)

The Templars today do many things and often times are decentralized in their operation. The Name itself gives rise to the tensions. In the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, the word Sovereign is a big clue... In the Past, the Order was under the control or authority of a Sovereign... Today that falls to the European Royalty. Dutch, German (the Tectonic knights), and the Northern Europeans - Sweden. At on time the Templars were under the authority of the Pope... The Bishop of Rome... and as such the Templars were outside the authority of the other Monarchs of Europe. Just imagine a segment of the U.S. population that didn't pay taxes, report or even recognize the authority of the laws of the land. Now also realize as they came to power much land and wealth were given over to the Templars. So while having this very independent group within your boarders, your tax base was forever shrinking because it was being handed to the Templars. The Pope loved this. The kings despised it. What does this all mean? Today, the order although international is very careful not to force members into relationships that might compromise their national allegiances, a very important distinction. Today, as a visitor, you can attend a Templar function. Throughout history, no outsiders were ever allowed. Who are these people? The order cuts across every national boundary, Generals, Diplomats, and Titans of business.

Many spring from the military from where the order began. There have been Medal of Honor winners, royalty, and everyone in between. Like the Templars of old, the organization is built with a very deep and broad foundation of talent and experience.

Q: Is there a connection between Knights Templar and Free Masonry?

A: Great Question. Well, to answer that I will share this. Many organizations when beginning have a tendency to pull mythology from history. I believe a 33-degree Mason and a Knights Templar have identical symbology. The answer, plainly to your question is yes. The qualifier is that through historical convergence, is it a matter of convenience? The masons trace their history back to the building of the pyramids. Can they prove that link? Not to a certainty, although many believe it. Could the Templars have used Masons? Very much so. Building castles, fortress and infrastructure, Masons (Historical Builders) were used. Now, were they free Masons? That is a question that I don't think can be answered to the degree most people would like. There are Templars who are Masons, and Masons who are Templars.

Q: Are Templars today a branch of Free Masonry?

A: See the question above. The simple answer is no. The Templars as an organization are divided into national legions as such. There are Masons within the organization yet the organization is not being controlled through the Masons. The Templars themselves would not appreciate such a statement.

Q: Is it true the Templars had commandeers in every state and at least 900 Castles?

A: Mmmm, there are two ways to answer that question. For the first, I want you to think of the Templars as the First multi-national corporation, much like IBM. Much of their wealth was given to them from Europe or was taken as Spoils of War. Although in ancient times, from around 1050-1303, Templars were found all over Europe and eastward toward the Middle East, and to the north, Scandinavia. Their real power was the seat of Rome, the Vatican. The church in one way or another was the leading influence of that time; this was both good and bad. One other VERY important fact about the Templars, they were much like the military today. They had architects, builders, sailors, bankers, craftsman, masons, and just about anyone and everyone you could think of. After its founding in the very late 900's, the organization grew to include the best and brightest of its time.

Today, the Templars are in almost every nation. Much of the time, they work behind the scenes. They do charitable work, raise money for many different Christian organizations in the Holy Land, and have been instrumental in shipping huge quantities of school supplies to Afghanistan. They are in the process, if not already official observers at the UN and many times they are working closely across religious lines to open up dialogue between many warring factions.

Q: Can you tell us a little about the secret societies? The Skull and Cross bones have been known to have Masonic connections.

A: Oh, I give a four hour lecture on this stuff. Before I go any deeper here, I think we have to put Free Masonry in a different light. Most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Masons. Most of the best leaders, most influential people at the birth of the nation were Masons. To them Free Masonry was more abut free thought, new ideas, and radical concepts called democracy. It didn't have the dark side that is portrayed today.

Heck, most of the people who broke with the European model of culture would have been labeled a Mason in their time.

It's funny you bring up these two organizations. Yet really there is one that has compromised both of these groups! You can do some research. It will be easy enough to find. The real power behind the groups you mentioned is the Illuminati, the Enlightened Ones. History says that it was founded in modern day Afghanistan, and not until the mid to late 1700's did this take root in Southern Germany, Bavaria. Strangely enough, it was formed by a Jewish, Catholic Professor. Now I have given you a place to start.

Please do not discount the power or influence of this group. Without a doubt, these people have the power and access to control what ever they like. Sadly, we never see it yet they are there!

Q: How did the image of mortality figure in Templar ritual?

A: Well, your question goes to what they "really" valued. In their times, they were soldiers of Christ. Literally they were warring Monks. They were ordained as such. They swore poverty, chastity, and obedience for life. If you look at their modern day badge, it has two monks riding one horse.

They were fierce in battle. Even to know that Templars were present in the midst of an engagement would have struck fear in the hearts of their enemies. It was said a Templar would not withdraw unless outnumbered more than 10 to 1. When captured every Templar was executed. Their enemies were too scared that these monks would come against them again. They were skilled warriors and tacticians, and because of the large support infrastructure, they were well feed, well armed, and well respected on the battlefield.

Ultimately, if they died in battle for God, all the better. They were on their way to heaven. Sound familiar? By the way, all this beheading in Iraq has its roots in the times of the crusades. Yes, Templars, and other orders beheaded their enemies. This is not a new thing.

Q: The Da Vinci Code refers to cryptic messages that were thought to be Included by Leonardo Da Vinci in his artwork, what do you think of movies, such as the Da Vinci code which believes that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married, had children and that the Holy Grail is really Mary Magdalene?

A: Well, first I am glad it has people talking. That in itself is a great start. I guess I would ask you to look at the division even within Christianity today. How can this be? Have they read the same book? Yet each denomination has its own spin on what is right. Imagine if you will, a group that is not very well respected. Its crazy radical leader has been put to death, and many, even the Jews of the time, saw this as a political struggle as much as a religious one. You would lose your place in the pecking order. I mean, all men are created equal by GOD was as radical a thought then as it is now. What do we know, and how do we know it? This is speculation and even as many are trying to disprove it, there are those that believe it whole heartedly. Now if you believe, what does it matter if the facts don't match? That is where the concept of faith comes in.

Just some background on me, I was raised Catholic, was even an alter boy, and left the church around sixteen.

I spent the next years in the military and the diplomatic corps and decided finally to come home and finish my college. I went to an Evangelical Protestant Church, as a matter of fact, a very influential church in Atlanta. Slowly over the years, I had the thought that there has got to be more. I didn't like the box that today's religions put you in. All that said, I believe in God. Call it the expanded version. I have no doubt that people all over the world search for this relationship, and I believe in the end, they all lead home. My heart breaks to see the way people are manipulated by fear in that relationship with their creator. If we are made in the image of God, does that mean our eyes and noses look alike? Or does that mean that the same divinity is in you that is part of Him. Now that is my bias, I like Father God. I just get lost in the verbal and mental jiu-jitsu that we do today to figure out why we have it right and everyone else has it wrong... Ok, enough of my soapbox... Back to the questions...

Q: According to the Scriptures, Mary Magdalene is mentioned twelve times. The author of the Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown, says Mary Magdalene was of royal blood and Jesus' wife. What are your thoughts on this?

A: Personally, I think Mary was favored above all others by Jesus, and for Peter and Paul, that would have been a hard pill to swallow. Much of the early church was in effect competing after Jesus¹ death. Even in the Bible, this is so.

Letters to different churches warned about staying on the straight and narrow. If men controlled the process and information how easy would it be to say edit out things that are not "convenient."

The other thing I have a real problem with is that the Bible is really taken from the Greek, not the Aramaic, and because we are just now beginning to understand idioms of the day, how can we truly understand the Bible?

I mean, like that is totally phat! He was really ripp'in. Now let’s fast forward two thousand years... What are the chances, not in recorded history, but the oral traditions, that you would have any idea what phat and ripp'in is? I am not sure I do either, and for me, I am a just a generation away.

Q: Do you believe that Da Vinci's, The Last Supper has anything to do with The Knights Templar?

A: Wrong question. I believe that Da Vinci's Last Supper has everything to do with the way the church viewed/views its faith and the place or lack there of women. Remember the artisans of the day depended almost exclusively on the Church and Royalty to pay them. What is that saying? Familiarity breeds contempt!

Q: How accurate, in your opinion is the movie Kingdom of Heaven?

A: Well, now this is Hollywood! First, I would say the most compelling point it makes was that there were honorable men on both sides. There were both good and bad religious zealots. And that finally in the end, you come to the conclusion that we have slaughtered each other, and for what? There was a great line at the end when Baleen asked Saladin, “What is Jerusalem worth?” The reply was something like, "Nothing... and Everything.” I thought the movie was as accurate as you could expect. I think they did well to avoid the real bloodshed. I know that most people believe the truest battle scene was the first five minutes of Saving Private Ryan - Storming the Beach at Normandy. I promise you, that the battles of those days were ten times worse. They were up close and personal. You could see the color of the man's eyes you just ran a sword through.

On another important issue, yes the Templars did do many things especially toward the end of their "reign" that were not honorable. There is an old French proverb that translates something like this... "To be as drunk as a Templar.” As the saying goes… Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I would like to thank Commander William Dargin for his fascinating insight into the world of the Knights Templar. The history and the background of this commendable group and the work they accomplish today were most enlightening.